Borderland bench added in honor of US Army vet Corey Sullivan of Easton

Paula Vogler | easton@wickedlocal.com

Tuesday

Jul 10, 2018 at 11:06 AMJul 10, 2018 at 11:06 AM

By the time Corey Sullivan reached high school after growing up in Easton, the 2004 OA graduate was spending his time skateboarding and joking with friends according to his twin brother, Staff Sergeant Michael Sullivan.

While initially Corey was trying to find an IT job in the Army after high school he and Michael both ended up joining the Army’s Infantry branch.

“I think he just wanted the excitement,” Michael said. “Infantry, in my opinion, is the better job because you actually do the fighting.”

Michael and Corey followed in family footsteps with their desire to join the military. Their grandfather was a World War II and Korean War veteran while a cousin served in Special Forces.

“I strongly feel that when you live in a country like this you have to defend it,” Michael said. “I love (military service). I’ve been doing it for nine years.”

After basic training the pair landed in the 101st Airborne Division with Corey in the 1st Brigade and Michael in the 2nd.

Corey headed to eastern Afghanistan while Michael landed in the southern part of the country.

“The majority of our deployment overlapped,” said Michael.

Among the ribbons and medals Corey received after returning home was the Army Commendation Medal given to service men and women for heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.

After three years of service Corey was honorable discharged and began his return to civilian life.

Despite struggling with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Corey began attending college and as a way to cope with the condition he often visited Borderland State Park with his dog, Dexter.

Corey died in 2015 and now his family is honoring him with a bench at Borderland State Park with the words, “A country is only as strong as those brave enough to defend it.” etched in the stone.

Nearly two years ago when Michael’s wife, Renie, wanted to do something to honor Corey, Borderland was where the plans materialized.

“She wanted to have something in place we could go to in memory of him without having to go to the National Cemetery,” Michael said. “It’s a happier environment than going to a cemetery.”

After speaking with Rich Eastman, president of the Smith Farm organization, and finding out the group’s involvement with programs for and by veterans, Michael said the plan started picking up steam.

While the bench was installed on July 3, Michael said a formal dedication ceremony will take place on July 14.

The bench, located near the Smith Farm House, is in front of one of three trees next to a butterfly garden.

“I hope veterans see that and find the strength to keep going,” Michael said. “I hope it’s motivation for them so whatever they are going through in life, they’ll keep going.”